The filming of The Runner, a highly anticipated thriller starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot, has been repeatedly disrupted in recent weeks by pro-Palestinian protesters, culminating in the arrest of five individuals by London police on Wednesday.
The production, which has been shooting across multiple locations in the British capital, became a focal point for demonstrators critical of Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel. Tensions escalated when protestors began targeting filming sites, attempting to obstruct access and disrupt the cast and crew at work.
London’s Metropolitan Police responded with a coordinated operation in central London, where The Runner was shooting one of its key scenes. Officers identified and detained several protestors involved in the campaign. According to authorities, two individuals were taken into custody on outstanding arrest warrants related to previous protests, while three others were apprehended on site for their direct involvement in that day’s disturbances.
The charges include harassment and breaching Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which makes it unlawful to prevent or hinder individuals from accessing a workplace.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who led the police operation, emphasized the importance of balancing the right to protest with public order. “While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality,” Holyoak stated. “We’ve been working closely with the production company to assess the impact of these protests, not only on their work but also on the wellbeing of those involved.”
The recurring disruptions have posed significant challenges for the production team behind The Runner, a drama that sees Gadot take on the role of a high-powered attorney racing across the UK in a desperate bid to rescue her kidnapped son. The film has drawn media attention not just for its high-profile star but also for the political firestorm surrounding its production.
During the protests, demonstrators were seen holding placards reading “Trash Gadot Not Welcome in London” and “Stop Starving Gaza,” and some were draped in keffiyehs—a traditional Middle Eastern scarf often associated with Palestinian solidarity. These protest actions have prompted heated debates online, drawing both support and criticism from across the political spectrum.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the film’s production team has remained largely silent publicly, opting instead to coordinate with law enforcement and continue shooting under heightened security. Sources close to the project report that several scenes had to be rescheduled or relocated due to security concerns and the need to avoid additional disruptions.
For many, the protest against The Runner is not just about the film itself, but about Gadot’s high-profile stance on Middle Eastern politics. A former Israeli soldier and vocal advocate for her home country, Gadot has become a polarizing figure, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Still, law enforcement is making it clear that while peaceful protest remains a protected right in the UK, targeted campaigns that verge on harassment or interfere with lawful professional activity will not be tolerated.
“I hope today’s operation sends a clear message,” said Holyoak. “We will not allow individuals to be harassed or unlawfully obstructed while going about their legitimate work in London.”
The intersection of celebrity, politics, and public protest has created a volatile backdrop for The Runner, turning a standard film shoot into a lightning rod for geopolitical activism. As the production moves forward under scrutiny, it remains to be seen whether additional disruptions will occur—or whether the message from police will deter further interference.
In the meantime, The Runner continues to push ahead with its filming schedule, navigating not just the creative challenges of making a feature film, but also the increasingly complex dynamics of public opinion, political activism, and freedom of expression.
